LineBrace Vertical Pipe Support Brackets Aids in NYC HVAC Retrofit
Palone Bros. Tackles Major HVAC Retrofit on 5th Avenue with Innovative LineBrace TKL Solution
In the bustling heart of New York City, where businesses thrive, keeping commercial buildings (often skyscrapers) running smoothly is paramount. Recently, Palone Bros., a leading HVAC contractor with deep roots in Brooklyn, took on an ambitious project in one of the world’s busiest neighborhoods—5th Avenue, New York.
### The Challenge: A Complex Retrofit Project
Palone Bros. was tasked with installing three 14-ton LG Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) condensing units on top of a 12-story commercial building. The project was no ordinary retrofit. In addition to the sheer scale of the job, it involved intricate refrigerant piping, branch boxes, and multiple indoor units installed throughout the building.
**Project Details: **
- **Location**: 5th Ave., New York, NY
- **Building Type**: Commercial
- **Project Type**: Existing building, retrofit
- **VRF Manufacturer**: LG
- **Mechanical Contractor**: Palone Bros. Air Conditioning Corp
The most critical challenge was managing the installation of vertical riser piping that extended 150 feet up through a shaftway, a space that would be completely sealed after the installation. This made future access for maintenance or repairs impossible. Any refrigerant leaks in the vertical piping could cause serious, costly issues down the road.
The vertical piping posed an additional challenge: it was highly susceptible to thermal expansion, which, if not properly managed, could damage the system and affect the long-term reliability of the entire HVAC installation.
### The Innovative Solution: LineBrace TKL Vertical Pipe Support Brackets
After extensive research and consultation, Palone Bros. Vice President and Service Manager, Steven Palone, identified the perfect solution to this tricky problem: the **LineBrace TKL** pipe support system from **MarketAir**. This innovative product provided an intelligent, cost-effective way to mitigate the challenges posed by pipe expansion without the need for additional brazing or other complex installation techniques.
**What made LineBrace TKL the perfect choice?**
- **No "hot work" (brazing) required** – LineBrace TKL vertical pipe support brackets eliminated the need for time-consuming and labor-intensive brazing, streamlining the installation process.
- **Expansion control** – The unique design allowed the team to break the 150-foot vertical riser piping into two 75-foot sections. This division ensured that any thermal expansion would be absorbed by the horizontal sections of piping, alleviating stress on the vertical riser.
- **Ease of Installation** – The brackets were easily anchored to the building walls, securing the piping without requiring extensive modifications. Each bracket featured molded insulation sleeves to ensure thermal efficiency and protect against temperature fluctuations.
- **Durability and reliability** – By reducing the thermal expansion in the vertical piping by 50%, LineBrace provided long-term peace of mind, ensuring the system's reliability for years to come.
“We were happy to find a product that didn’t require any additional brazing and was able to help us separate the vertical riser piping into 75’ up and 75’ down, so the expansion can be dispersed on the horizontal sections of piping directly connected above and below the vertical riser,” said Steven Palone.
### The Outcome: A Seamless Installation and Reliable System
Thanks to the intelligent design of the LineBrace TKL system, Palone Bros. successfully addressed the challenges posed by vertical riser piping. Not only was the installation process significantly simplified, but the risks associated with refrigerant leaks and thermal expansion were effectively mitigated.
The installation of the VRF condensing units, refrigerant piping, and indoor units was completed with precision and efficiency. The entire project demonstrated Palone Bros.' commitment to excellence and innovation, leveraging cutting-edge solutions to ensure the long-term success of their clients' HVAC systems.
